Cleansing and Detoxing…what is the difference?

Written By Elsie Velazquez Cert. Personal Trainer Prescription Fitness

I’m sure that you have probably heard at least one person in your life say that they are going to do a “cleanse” or “detox” and you have probably wondered what that means exactly.  Is there a difference between the two, you might wonder.  While the terms are used interchangeably, there IS a difference between a cleanse and a detox.    To help you understand the difference, I will define both below:

What is a detox?

Detoxing is a process that converts the toxins in our bodies into waste. That waste is then eliminated but the process can be harsh on us. The point of a detox is to ease the release of toxins from our fat storage cells in order to enhance the body’s detoxification pathways such as from the liver. A detox typically works to remove toxins like heavy metals, chemicals, cleaning solutions, cigarette residue, and other environmental elements from our bodies. It can include changes to your diet and lifestyle, as well as some herbal supplements and therapeutic sweating, in places like saunas or steam rooms.

Should you detox?  Here are a few signs you may want to consider it:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Joint pain
• Food sensitivities or allergies
• Mood swings
• Anxiety and depression
• High blood pressure
• Constipation
• Headaches, muscle aches and muscle fatigue

What is a cleanse? 

The purpose of a cleanse is to clear out the digestive track.  A cleanse is a way to support and enhance your body’s natural detoxification system. By eliminating toxic, compacted fecal matter, parasites, and fungi, we can leave our bodies sparkling clean. In order to go about a cleanse properly, it is essential to clean up your diet and lifestyle, which means more rest, gentle and relaxing exercise, and consuming healthy herbal supplements to remove toxic build-up in your body.  It is also suggested that you eliminate “trigger foods” that can be common causes of allergies, sensitivities and digestive issues. We recommend avoiding foods like:

• Dairy
• Eggs
• Gluten
• Soy
• Corn
• Refined sugar
• Caffeine
• Alcohol

I recommend seeking the help of a health specialist if you believe you could benefit from a cleanse or detox.  With professionally designed program and professional supervision, you can safely enjoy the benefits that a cleanse or detox provides.